Exodus 31:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Sabbath must be kept as holy; profaning it by work results in death and separation from the community.
The Context of Exodus 31:14
God establishes severe consequences for Sabbath desecration.
What Does Exodus 31:14 Mean?
The severity of the penalty—death and community excision—demonstrates how seriously God regards Sabbath violation. The Sabbath is holy unto you—belonging to Israel as a sacred treasure and responsibility, not a burden but a gift.
This penalty clause reflects the covenant structure: blessing comes through obedience, and breaking the sign of the covenant brings judgment. The community's holiness depends on collective respect for the boundaries God has set.
Exodus 31:14 in the Original Language
defileth (חִלֵּל, challel) — to profane, desecrate, treat as common what is holy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 31:14
What does Exodus 31:14 mean?
The Sabbath must be kept as holy; profaning it by work results in death and separation from the community.
What is the context of Exodus 31:14?
God establishes severe consequences for Sabbath desecration.